This excerpt from a lecture by Michel Foucault discusses his work on the development of power and knowledge, highlighting the fragmented nature of his research. Foucault asserts that despite focusing on specific historical periods and topics, such as the history of penal procedure, the development of psychiatry, or the study of sexuality, his work explores recurring themes and concepts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these themes in the context of historical change, without claiming to have arrived at a definitive conclusion or a complete understanding of the complex relationship between power and knowledge. He further stresses that his research is not intended to provide definitive answers but rather to offer a framework for understanding the historical evolution of these crucial concepts.